RALEIGH, N.C. — The last-place Carolina Hurricanes fired coach Paul Maurice for the second time in less than a decade Monday and replaced him with former All-Star Kirk Muller.

Muller begins his first NHL head coaching job with a slumping team that has made one playoff appearance since 2006 and has lost 10 of 13 games. He is in his first season coaching the Nashville Predators’ AHL affiliate in Milwaukee after spending five seasons on the Montreal Canadiens’ staff. He played 19 seasons in the NHL, made six All-Star teams and led the Canadiens to their last Stanley Cup.

“Kirk is a proven leader and motivator, and he has strong communication skills,” general manager Jim Rutherford said. “We feel confident that he is the right man to lead our team now and in the future.”

Carolina dropped to 8-13-4 following Sunday night’s 4-3 loss at Ottawa.